Sudarshan Pattnaik creates a massive sand art in Puri

Makes an appeal to free the 30 people arrested in the Arctic

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Press release - November 8, 2013

Puri, 8th November 2013 – World renowned sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik created a colossal sand art depicting Greenpeace's ship, the Arctic Sunrise and the 30 people who have been arrested in the Arctic following a peaceful protest against oil drilling in the region. The sand art measured 15 feet wide and more than seven tonne of sand was used in the activity.

On September 18th this year, 28 activists from Greenpeace, one videographer and one photographer were arrested by the Russian authorities when they tried to climb the oil rig owned by the oil company Gazprom in the Arctic. They are charged disproportionately with Piracy and Hooliganism and may face a jail term of maximum 7 years even when they practiced non-violence throughout the action.

Currently, they are imprisoned at Murmansk, Russia. The Arctic 30 are about to complete two months in prison in the next two weeks. It was overwhelming to see the solidarity of the people in Odisha for the sand art. Members of Parliament, Mohan Jena, Rudra Madab Ray and Pinaki Mishra along with Collector Naba Kumar Naik and District Magistrate Dr. UC Maji were present at the event. And so were actors Subhranshu and Sidhanta Mahapatra.

The event also saw a great reception from almost 19 civil society members in Odisha.

'I wanted to create an image that represents the struggles of the Arctic 30, clawed in chains but still going strong in spirit. Also, it was important to recreate the Greenpeace ship, the Arctic Sunrise through my art because the ship is symbolic to the work that Greenpeace has been doing in the Arctic and climate change,' said Sudarshan Pattnaik.

'The Arctic is warming faster than anywhere else on the planet and is experiencing some of the most severe climate impacts on Earth. Given that the worsening impacts of climate change are felt worldwide - with India and our people being especially vulnerable to storms, droughts and floods - it is very important that India uses its position in the Arctic Council to press for full protection in the Arctic,' said Rachel Pearlin, Campaigner, Greenpeace India.

Civil society members, activists and people from all around the world have been protesting continuously over the past 51 days for the release of the Arctic 30. Also, political leaders and governments have taken a lead in advocating their support for the cause and are trying relentlessly to free the Arctic 30. Sudarshan Pattnaik also made an appeal to the Indian politicians to come out in support of the Arctic 30 as climate change is going to affect us all equally and the jailed people were peacefully protesting on behalf of every country in the world.